Marilyn "Joann" Wallace

ROCKY MOUNT – Marilyn “Joann” Wallace, age 93, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 6, 2026.  Born in Sevier County, TN on December 11, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Walter Garfield Rhinehardt and Nellie Sosobee Rhinehardt.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Rev. William Aonzo Wallace; her brother, Maurice Oakie Rhinehardt; and her sisters, Dorcas Rhinehardt Franklin Moffitt and Linda Rhinehardt Hensley.

Joann was a devoted educator, faithful servant of the church, and a loving presence to all who knew her. A graduate of Gastonia High School, Class of 1951, she continued her education at Gardner-Webb College in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, Class of 1953, and Carson–Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Class of 1955.  She faithfully served as a teacher for 34 years across North Carolina, including Leicester High School and Erwin High School in Buncombe County, Quail Hollow Junior High in Mecklenburg County, North Gaston High School in Gaston County, and West Edgecombe Middle School in Edgecombe County.  Deeply committed to her faith, Joann served her churches as a Sunday School teacher, WMU director, pianist, and pastor’s wife.  She found great joy in teaching God’s Word, serving on church committees, cooking for family and friends, fishing from the pier at Fort Caswell, playing the piano, shopping, working crossword puzzles and word searches, traveling to the mountains and the beach, and most of all, cherishing time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joann is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Wallace Newsome and husband, Mike, of Turbeville, SC and Marilyn Wallace Holland and husband, Butch, of Rocky Mount; her grandchildren, Jason Newsome (Kimberly), Blake Newsome (April), Morgan Williams (Ted), and Tyler Holland (Kristin); her great-grandchildren, Maddie Newsome, Graham Newsome, Darcy Newsome, Riley Williams, Willa Newsome, and Levi Williams; and her brother, Howard Farrell Rhinehardt.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Joann’s life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Kevin Byers officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Joann’s memory to Turbeville Southern Methodist Church Mission Fund, 1642 Main Street, Turbeville, SC  29162 or NC Baptist Assembly @ Fort Caswell, 100 Caswell Beach Road, Oak Island, NC  28465.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.